Campagnolo Release Carbon-Aluminum Aerodynamic Bullet Wheels

posted by Tyler Benedict - June 10, 2011 - 12pm EDT

Campagnolo has just released their new Bullet series of wheels using their 2-Way Fit system on an all-new carbon rim with aluminum brake track.

The wheels get a new, super slim rim profile designed to increase the low pressure section behind the tire and minimize the high pressure zone in front, effectively using aerodynamics to help push the wheel forward and minimizing turbulence. To keep the rims thin, they designed them with DRMC (Direction Rim Spoke Coupling), which Campy says eliminates the need for reinforced sections of the rim that would add weight and girth while reducing spoke stress.

The 2-Way Fit system means the rim has no spoke holes, which allows you to run tubeless tires simply by adding sealant. No tape necessary.

Two versions will be available, the Bullet Ultra and the Bullet, each in different depths, and there’s even a cyclocross specific pair with matching crankset! Details after the break…

MODELS AND OPTIONS

The Bullet Ultra will be offered in 50mm, 80mm and 105mm depths and have two rim options: standard clincher or 2-Way Fit tubeless. It’ll also have three different ball bearing options: standard, USB or their range topping CULT ceramics. Lastly, in case those don’t give you enough options, you can choose between their Bright Label or Dark Label look. The Bullet Ultra 50mm will also be available in a CX option with a special double crankset with better bottom bracket bearing seals. The Ultra wheels also get a lighter aluminum axle.

The Bullet wheels will have 50mm and 80mm options with Standard or USB bearings and Bright Label decor only. Standard clincher only.

Both versions use a 20.5mm wide rim, have Shimano or Campy freehub options and use straight pull, double butted, bladed spokes across the range. They use Campy’s Anti-Rotation system to keep the spokes lined up for proper aerodynamics at all times. All front wheels have 16 spokes (CX gets 18 front), and the rear wheels use their unique G3 lacing pattern with either 6- or 7- triple spokesets depending on rim depth. The Ultra’s get oversized alloy nipples while the regular Bullets get brass.

To see those options into chart form, click on this image to enlarge:

SMOOTHNESS

Besides aerodynamics, Campy says they wanted to focus on Smoothness and Responsiveness. For Smoothness, there are differences between the lines. On the regular Bullets, they went with a cup-and-cone bearing system for their standard steel bearing models, and the USB (Ultra Smooth Bearing) are ceramic cartridge bearings and claim to be 30% lighter and 40% stronger.

For the Bullet Ultra’s, all three use cup and cone construction, and at the top of the line, the CULT models use their proprietary CULT ceramic bearings lubricated by oil rather than grease for less friction.

RESPONSIVENESS

Starting with the rims, Campy says they’re balanced for perfect weight distribution, and the combination of carbon fiber and aluminum make for a very stiff rim. The hubs are oversized, and their G3 lacing pattern claim to provide explosive responsiveness and sharp handling.

@tt, Campy has offered Shimano freehub options for years… It’s been a way to squeeze in a few more wheels to their very limited market share (especially in NA)… Too bad many dealers (& Campy, too) haven’t made much mention of this fact to the consumer.

tt - 06/11/11 - 1:03pm

Thanks Mick, I didn’t know that! But, to be quite honest, I have never seen a road Shimano equipped bike with Campagnolo wheels. A very bizarre combination for me…

wallymann - 06/11/11 - 4:35pm

“bullet” eh?

remember their full-width grip-shift like MTB shifters by the same name?

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